— Nearby

Things to do near Helensville, worth leaving the valley for.

— Within reach

The Helensville hills,
and everything around them.

— What each is good for

5 minutes

Parakai Springs

Naturally heated mineral pools and hydroslides in Parakai, open daily. The easy morning-after outing, and a good one with children.

5 minutes

Helensville township

A river town on the Kaipara with cafes, a bakery, a supermarket for self-catering, antique shops and a Saturday market.

10 minutes

Kaipara Harbour

One of the largest harbours in the world. Kayaking, fishing charters from Helensville wharf, and godwits and other wading birds in summer.

12 minutes

Woodhill Forest

Pine forest with New Zealand's best-known mountain bike park, walking trails, horse treks and a tree-top adventure course.

15 minutes

Kumeu wine country

Coopers Creek, Kumeu River Wines and Soljans Estate, all with cellar doors and lunch. The obvious afternoon out, and the easiest wedding drinks decision.

20 minutes

Muriwai Beach

Wild black-sand west coast beach with surf, a cliff-top gannet colony from August to March, and a golf course above the dunes.

25 minutes

Shelly Beach and South Head

The quiet side of the Kaipara: calm water for swimming and paddleboarding, and sunsets over the harbour.

45 minutes

Central Auckland

Close enough for a day in the city, the Sky Tower and the waterfront, and far enough that you will not hear it.

— Out and about

— In the heart of wine country

— Nearby

Questions about what is around.

What is there to do near Helensville?

Soak at Parakai Springs hot pools 5 minutes away, ride or walk the trails in Woodhill Forest 12 minutes away, taste wine at Coopers Creek, Kumeu River and Soljans 15 minutes away, and watch the gannet colony at Muriwai Beach 20 minutes away.

How far is Muriwai Beach from the retreat?

About 20 minutes by car. Muriwai is a wild black-sand west coast beach with a gannet colony on the cliffs from August to March.

Are there wineries near Helensville?

Yes. The Kumeu wine country is 15 minutes away, with Coopers Creek, Kumeu River Wines and Soljans Estate all open for tastings and lunch.

Is there somewhere to eat in Helensville?

Helensville township is 5 minutes away with cafes, a bakery, a supermarket and a few restaurants, and Kumeu has more options 15 minutes away. Most guests self-cater in the full kitchen and eat on the deck.

Make the valley your base.

Settle in for a few nights and explore from here. Taste your way around the local wineries, soak in the hot springs at Parakai, or stay with us while you celebrate a wedding in the valley.

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